Hi

looks like I've got the go ahead from her with the cheque book to build a new system, for her of course.

Been a while so I ask for some advice.

It will mainly run CAD programs, and maybe a game or two. Will keep it clean of most other stuff as I am not retiring the system I am typing on.

It will be AMD and based on an Asus nVidia MB.

Questions are:

1) is it worth going dual core or get a faster single?
2) is it worth getting two PCI-E graphics cards or a better single?
3) is it worth going for the 'delux/premium' options that have the Silicon Image RAID options, as I would be using RAID, at least 1, maybe 5?

Very specific questions I know but any input is welcome:)

Have a look at custom pc (http://www.custompc.co.uk/) they've been doing comparisons on processors and video cards, you should be able to find the info you want

1) is it worth going dual core or get a faster single?
2) is it worth getting two PCI-E graphics cards or a better single?
3) is it worth going for the 'delux/premium' options that have the Silicon Image RAID options, as I would be using RAID, at least 1, maybe 5?

1. the operating system currently only looks at one core, so the effective performance for the forseeable future will be largely the same. However, there isnt a great deal of difference now in the price, and personally i'd probably go dual-core.

2. SLI the graphics if you can, maybe 2x256mb 6600GT nvidia cards would be a well priced option, although im no expert in those matters, a 200 quid solo card may well be better...:huh:

3. um, pass!

1) Get dual core - from what I hear it works better with high drain CAD programs (consider Intel - Pentium D 805 can be overclocked to 3.6 GHz on air!, only £85).

2) Just buy 1 better graphics card, upgrade to 2 in future when you can afford - that way you need only buy one card to upgrade and not 2.

3) You may as well opt for integrated RAID, otherwise you need a to get a PCI adapter card or run a power hungry RAID software program. On board will just be easier in the long run.

If you do go for AMD I'd recommend staying well clear of AM2, get Socket 939 - so far 939 is the faster platform due to increased DDR2 memory latencies on AM2 (Also a bit cheaper).

1) Get dual core - from what I hear it works better with high drain CAD programs (consider Intel - Pentium D 805 can be overclocked to 3.6 GHz on air!, only £85).

2) Just buy 1 better graphics card, upgrade to 2 in future when you can afford - that way you need only buy one card to upgrade and not 2.

3) You may as well opt for integrated RAID, otherwise you need a to get a PCI adapter card or run a power hungry RAID software program. On board will just be easier in the long run.

If you do go for AMD I'd recommend staying well clear of AM2, get Socket 939 - so far 939 is the faster platform due to increased DDR2 memory latencies on AM2 (Also a bit cheaper).

Same advice here for all 3, just that instead of PentiumD i would go for AMD Dualcore.

I buy all my PC hardware from Overclockers (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/)

What CAD applications will it run? It maybe an idea to use one of the Nvidias Quadro workstation cards instead of general consumer lines.

I'll second the use of Overclockers UK, they have reasonably priced stuff and are very reliable.

I only mentioned the Intel due to its extreme value for money (when overclocked can outperform an FX60 in benchmarking - see Toms Hardware Guide, website).

Rumours abound that within about 2 months Intel will be releasing their new Core Duo processors, although there's a lot of conspiracy theory talk around them there can be no doubt that they are likely to be something special.

Personally I cant wait to see what they're like - might even treat myself to an earlier than planned upgrade/ build.

(when overclocked can outperform an FX60 in benchmarking - see Toms Hardware Guide, website).


mmmmmmmmmm...overclocked chip..damn i fried the the last 1 i overclocked :D :mad: :mad: :mad:

I have been looking at the FX60, but no hurry to upgrade yet...but i haven't treated myself for a while, and willpower is sooooooooo low :bigsmile:

I'll second the use of Overclockers UK, they have reasonably priced stuff and are very reliable.

I only mentioned the Intel due to its extreme value for money (when overclocked can outperform an FX60 in benchmarking - see Toms Hardware Guide, website).

Rumours abound that within about 2 months Intel will be releasing their new Core Duo processors, although there's a lot of conspiracy theory talk around them there can be no doubt that they are likely to be something special.

Personally I cant wait to see what they're like - might even treat myself to an earlier than planned upgrade/ build.

I wouldnt use Overclockers, ever. Trust me, its just not worth it when it breaks and you need to get support. They are useless, and very incompetent when it comes to support. http://www.net4free.org/Computers/ocuk/ explains most of it.

scan.co.uk are good, as are over-clock.co.uk.

I'd also pick AMD chips over Intel ones. AMD have Nvidia chipset support, which are all pretty good. We have a couple of CAD machines at work, 2 of them are AMD Dualcore, 2 are Intel, the AMD ones render many of the models in solidworks 5-10% faster, sometimes more. AMD stuff has the benifit of being more mature.

I'd take tomshardware quotes and reviews with a pinch of salt, they have been know to be a little bias towards intel products. And besides, if your doing complex things like rendering/CAD, why would you want to overclock your chip, and increase the chance of anomolies and artefacts appearing in your work.

If you can afford it, get a Quadro or a FireGL card for CAD, there are no better cards for those applications.

Joel

Thanx for all the replies guys!

Questions answered:

Cad programs will be Micro GDS, AutoCad and maybe MicroStation.

In terms of buying, I have had stuff from Dabs (mainly), Scan, OC and Ebuyer. Not had a problem with any of them.

Not looking at overclocking, want reliability at stock speeds. When I get the new sys will have a go at overclocking this one though :D :D

Will always go AMD/Asus/nVidia. Has always worked for me with no problems.

So, looks like dual core with a good single GPU.

If you can afford it, get a Quadro or a FireGL card for CAD, there are no better cards for those applications.

Joel

Do you have any links for these. Yes, I could google but I'm knackered. Thanx for any help.

q1: go for dual core, the highest spec you can afford. there is not much between intel & amd, but the latter do run cooler & quieter.

q2: unless you are running a huge dispay on max resolution or are playing the latest games, dont bother with sli cards.

q3: cant help there, sorry



:)